The Nuance
Social Media, Like Alcohol, May Be Riskier When You’re Vulnerable
Social media may be uniquely dangerous for those who are struggling
If you login to Instagram right now and search for #depression, you’ll see a warning. It reads: “Posts with words you’re searching for often encourage behavior that can cause harm and even lead to death.”
You can bypass this warning and see the tagged posts. Or you can click on a “Get Support” button that leads you to depression-focused resources or recommendations. The first of those recommendations is “Talk to a Friend.” It encourages you to call or text someone you trust.
According to reporting from CNET, Instagram and other social media sites first started to implement these warnings last year. They began by flagging content related to eating disorders and negative body image, and have since expanded the program to depression and other forms of psychological distress.
The fact that social sites like Instagram are directing vulnerable people away from their platforms and toward real-world connections may not seem like a big deal. But it is a big admission.
When we’re vulnerable we tend to reach out via social media, but those are also…
